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Read the full review first if you are still deciding: Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen Owner Review .
Mike’s take: I run Nest at home: the thermostat, the doorbell and many cameras. 5/5. More in my owner review .
Getting started
- Check wiring compatibility and set it up in the Google Home app.
- Add a Nest Temperature Sensor in the rooms you care about, and pick which sensor leads at which time (sensor help ).
- Install on the 12-terminal backplate, which Google says works with most HVAC systems (Google blog ).
- Let it learn for a week before you second-guess the schedule.
Sources: Google Store , The Verge .
How the AI works
- Smart Schedule: Google says the 4th gen uses AI to learn the temperatures you pick most and changes in your routine from motion it detects, then adjusts the schedule. You can let it apply changes automatically or accept or reject each suggestion in the Google Home app (Google blog ).
- Weather-aware: it factors in outdoor conditions, for example pausing heat on a sunny winter day, and adjusting on humid days (Google blog ).
- System Health Monitor: it tracks HVAC performance over time and alerts you to problems, like the AC running without the house cooling (Google blog ).
- Smart Ventilation: with a ventilation system, it brings in fresh air when outdoor air is clean and mild, and pauses for things like wildfire smoke. It also watches indoor humidity (Google blog ).
- Nest Renew: if you enroll, it makes small adjustments to shift energy use to cleaner, cheaper times (Google blog ).
- Gemini: Gemini for Home features in Google Home need a Google Home Premium plan and compatible devices (Google Store ). Google runs Gemini in its cloud.
- What leaves the device: setup and control run through the Google Home app and your Google Account, so schedule, temperature and sensor data sync to Google’s cloud. Over Matter, other Matter apps can control it too (Nest tech specs ).
Temperature sensors
Each 4th gen thermostat ships with a Nest Temperature Sensor. Google says you can add up to six, average several together, and choose which sensors lead at different times of day by linking them to schedules, for example prioritizing a nursery at nap time (Google blog ).
If you used Works with Nest
Works with Nest connections stopped working on September 29, 2023. Automations now run through Works with Google Home in the Google Home app, and Alexa control uses the newer Google Nest skill, both of which need a Google Account (Google Nest Help ).
Nest Learning Thermostat FAQ: what it can do and what it works with
Does the Nest Learning Thermostat work with Home Assistant?
Yes, two ways. The official Nest integration uses Google’s Device Access (one-time US$5 registration fee, consumer Google accounts only), and the 4th gen also works over Matter with basic climate controls. Source: Home Assistant Nest , Google blog .
Does the Nest thermostat work with Alexa?
Yes, through Google’s Nest skill for Alexa, enabled from the Google Home app (Settings, Services, Amazon Alexa skill). You can ask Alexa for the current or target temperature and raise, lower or set it. It needs a Google Account (a migrated Nest account works), and Google notes some Nest features can’t be controlled by Alexa. Source: Google Nest Help .
Does the Nest thermostat work with Gemini?
Yes, as part of Gemini for Home in the Google Home app, which needs Google Home Premium and compatible devices. Source: Google Store .
Does the Nest thermostat support Matter?
Yes. Google says the 4th gen supports Matter, so it works with other Matter platforms. Source: Google blog .
Does Nest change my schedule without asking?
Only if you let it. Google says Smart Schedule suggestions can apply automatically, or you can accept or reject each one in the Google Home app. Source: Google blog .
Can the Nest thermostat warn me about HVAC problems?
Yes. Google says System Health Monitor tracks HVAC performance over time and sends alerts, like when the AC runs but the house does not cool, and that it gets better at spotting problems as it learns your system. Source: Google blog .
Does Nest work with ChatGPT, Claude or MCP agents?
Google does not list one. Home Assistant can expose it to the assistants your Home Assistant setup supports. Source: Home Assistant Nest .
Related
Check today’s price before you buy: See the Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon .